Archive for December 13th, 2009

My Big Fat Greek Family

Posted in Uncategorized on December 13th, 2009 by jwadley – Be the first to comment
My niece Rebi turned one year old during her trip to Florida. To celebrate, we gathered as much of the family as possible at my house for a big, fat, Greek birthday party.
Some cousins drove down from Georgia. Aunts, Uncles and cousins traveled from around central Florida. We all piled into my somewhat-clean house to visit, chat, reminisce, laugh and play.

Know what I love about this picture? No one is holding their own child. :)
Cousin Jennifer holding my nephew Tommy, sister Keri, cousin Carey holding the birthday girl, Uncle Chris holding Carey’s daughter Cadyn.

Me, my cousin Carey, my Dad, and my sister Keri. So much love here.

Some of my extended family. Believe it or not, this isn’t everyone. In fact, less than half of my greek cousins are represented. (And none of the cousins on my mom’s side are here.)
Yes, I have a big family. And we’re all pretty close. I love that we get together for events and celebrations whenever we can. This event was particularly meaningful for me, because the last big family gathering occurred for my cousin JJ’s funeral.
This was pure celebration and love! I felt such joy at being surrounded by all of these aunts, uncles and cousins.
Me=thankful <3

"I Didn’t Get To Pee My Panties", or Greedy Santa Regrets

Posted in Uncategorized on December 13th, 2009 by jwadley – Be the first to comment

Sometimes the best laid plans…

Friday night, one of my favorite events of the entire year occurred – the Greedy Santa Party. Hosted every year by my friends Christyne Albury and Kim Ross, it is the holiday event. In fact, it is my only chance each year to catch up with old friends from work, and share laughter and wine and crazy gift-grabbing hysteria.
I never miss this party, because it warms my heart, soothes my soul, and makes me laugh until I pee my panties.
Except, this year, I missed the party.
There are several reasons. I was cleaning my house for a party the next day. I was dealing with a major, major meltdown of communication between children and adults. I was helping my hubby throw toys into black garbage bags to be taken away, forever.
I was pulled so tightly by family issues and obligations, that I couldn’t break free, not even for the night.
This doesn’t usually happen. I value my personal time highly, and I get away for Jenny Fun Nights at least twice a week. My personal, social, or private time is important for my continuing sanity. And, my hubby knows exactly what Greedy Santa means to me, and it isn’t even a option to miss it.
But I did.
I’m sorry I did. I understand, from the other Jenny, that it was a riotous, hilarious and fabulous party. I mean, come on, one of the most-frequently-stolen gifts was a gift card to Fairvilla Megastore! (Full disclosure – that was TOTALLY going to be my gift this year. Pinky swear. Either that or a candy-cane striped dildo.)

I know that I missed hanging out with some of my favorite people. I know that I missed all of the updates, the funny stories, and the sharing memories of Kim dancing on a table, and the year of the stripper.

I’m sorry. I missed everyone. I’ll try to make sure it never happens again.
Christyne and Kim, please keep inviting me. I promise that next year, as usual, I won’t RSVP, but I’ll be there with bells on, and maybe something candy-cane-striped in a gift bag. :)
Love you guys!

Sisters

Posted in Uncategorized on December 13th, 2009 by jwadley – Be the first to comment


My sister, Keri, is visiting from Colorado with her family. Squeee!

I love it when Keri visits. She and I are very close, and we don’t get to see each other in person very often.
Her week-long visit has included many days at Walt Disney World, family time, laughter and general frivolity. (Also, fevers, bagels, and a face slap.)
And hugs. And tickling. And putting my arm around my sister. And holding her beautiful babies.
OK, got to go hug my sister now.